Youth Challenge Asks For Funding

Nn Council Wants Independent Audit

NEWPORT NEWS — The Rev. Troy Collier asked Newport News City Council on Tuesday to once again give public money to Youth Challenge, the troubled Christian-based drug rehab center he founded and leads.

His appeal followed testimonials, words of praise and allusions to biblical tribulations from supporters and graduates of his ministry.

"I've given money to Youth Challenge since I've been on the Peninsula," said board member Linwood Custalow, "and not a dime of my money has been wasted."

But such comments didn't sway City Council from backing the recommendation of City Manager Ed Maroney to withhold future payments to the group until it passes an independent audit.

A recently released city audit found 13 accounting shortcomings in Youth Challenge's bookkeeping.

Foremost for the city, Youth Challenge failed to file tax forms and business paperwork needed to keep an associated foundation in existence. The group also failed to mark for non-religious uses the money given by the city.

The city gave money to Youth Challenge through the foundation because state law prohibits localities from giving to religious-based organizations.

Mayor Joe Frank told Collier and his supporters that the city could not give the group money, even if council members wanted to, without a properly certified foundation.

"At this point and time," Frank said, "whether you like it or not, the burden is not on us. The burden is on the leadership of the organization."

Youth Challenge treats men and women with drug and alcohol problems, many of whom would otherwise be headed to the city-funded jail.

Supporter Rochelle Bartlett asked what would happen if other donors followed in the city's steps and quit supporting the program.

"Then where will these young men and women go?" she asked. "Will prison be their only option?"

Youth Challenge had collected about $500,000 in donations annually before the controversy. The city has contributed as much as $75,000 in one year.

"The issue is not good faith," Frank said. "It's compliance with the law."

Fred Carroll can be reached at 247-4756 or by e-mail at fcarroll@dailypress.com